Camera stabilizer

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application, application Ser. No. 10/671,977, filed on Sep. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,879.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to an improvement in camera supports and more particularly to camera stabilizers.

A steady camera for still pictures or moving pictures [movie camera or video camera] makes for better more professional finished pictures. A camera for still pictures, because of its shutter speed, can be hand-held and still be capable of capturing a good quality picture. For more professional results, tripods are generally used.

Holding a moving camera or video camera by hand to capture moving pictures can typically yield a ‘jittery’ result [for the purpose of all further discussion, such moving pictures will be referred to herein as ‘video’ and the device as ‘video camera’ and includes all types of cameras capable of capturing and presenting moving pictures—it must be understood, however, that the camera stabilizer of the present invention may be used with all types of cameras; still, moving, 35 mm, digital, and the like]. Tripods can be used but, once set up, their use is limited in scope in that once the tripod is set on the ground, it generally stays put and the camera operator swivels the mounted camera up and down and back and forth as needed. Should an event require the camera operator to move about to better capture the moments, the end result of the video will be jittery.

Various, more portable and mobile, camera supports and stabilizers have been crafted to meet the needs of the video camera operator to minimize or completely eliminate the jitter effect when recording moving events and moving with the event to better capture it. Most typically involve some form of adjustable rod attachable to the video camera with some form of support structures mountable onto a camera operator. In many different forms, these generally involve some form of telescoping rod from video camera to the operator at or near the operator's shoulder with another telescoping rod from video camera to the operator at or near the operator's waist or chest thereby forming a triangular support structure well-suited for stabilizing the video camera.

All the prior art camera support devices are either complicated in structure and use; costly to manufacture and, concomitantly, costly to buy; and, in spite of the complexities of the device and high cost, do not offer flexibility of use nor do they provide for greater versatility in use. Most merely support the video camera without according the user more features necessary to produce more professional results. My co-pending application referenced above fills that void. This continuation-in-part present invention enhances upon my previously filed application.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are to:

a. provide an advantage for near- and far-sighted users to permit either to easily use either an LCD monitor for viewing or the viewfinder of the video camera;

b. produce an inexpensive camera stabilizer which provides excellent vertical and horizontal support for a video camera;

c. provide additional support between operator and camera by stabilization means around the operator's back and upward in a bi-pod [also referred to as V-pod] configuration from a user's waist to the camera;

d. provide a camera stabilizer which may easily function as a mono-pod support for a camera, a bi-pod support for a camera, and accommodate an external tri-pod;

e. introduce a camera stabilizer which easily assembles and dis-assembles;

f. provide for a camera stabilizer which is easily adjustable and extremely easy to use;

g. provide a camera stabilizer which facilitates the use of remote control devices and other camera-related components;

h. create a camera stabilizer which assists the camera operator in registering a level plane; and

i. make an easily portable and storable camera stabilizer capable of easy storage and movement from one site to another site.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-noted problems, among others, are overcome by the present invention. Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates a camera stabilizer for a camera. The camera stabilizer has a base with an aperture in front and in back, each aperture in alignment with the other. A first support member is contoured for fit on a user's shoulder. It has an adjustable rod extending outward and forward of the support member with a detent member at its distal end. The adjustable rod inserts into the base through its two apertures with the detent passing through the front aperture thereby preventing rearward movement of the adjustable rod. A second support member has two telescoping rods connected to each other at their respective bottoms from which they are pivotable. The tops of each rod also are pivotable and removably attachable to the base. Adjustable straps on one telescoping rod are adapted to wrap around the user's back and fasten to themselves to thereby more securely stabilize the device. Another strap at the bottom end of one of the telescoping rods is adapted to loop around the belt of a user and fasten to itself thereby providing addition stability and vertical support.

The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so the present contributions to the art may be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side elevation view of the camera stabilizer [in its bi-pod configuration] and a majority of its component parts.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a rear elevation view of the base component of the camera stabilizer.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a bottom plan view of the base component of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of the base and rear support component.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a detailed partial view of the camera stabilizer in a mono-pod configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail and in particular to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, reference character <b>10</b> generally designates a camera stabilizer constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The base component <b>11</b> supports and secures a camera. Most cameras have a threaded aperture on their bottom for mounting the camera onto a tripod for example. In this regard, the camera may be placed on top of the base <b>11</b>, aligned with aperture <b>24</b>, and secured thereon by a correspondingly threaded bolt.

Additionally a tripod mounting shoe <b>25</b>, with its threaded bolt, may be incorporated onto the bottom of the base <b>11</b>, to accept and secure a camera mounted onto the top of the base <b>11</b>. The tripod mounting shoe <b>25</b> envisioned for this purpose is a conventional quick-release tripod mounting shoe; i.e., one which easily attaches to and releases from a tripod by movement of a single lever and, concomitantly, easily attaches to and releases from the bottom of the base <b>11</b>. Most such tripod mounting shoes <b>25</b> also have an alignment guide-pin which, when placed onto the tripod, align with a receiving aperture on the tripod thereby registering the fit of the tripod mounting shoe onto the tripod.

To accommodate such guide-pins, the base <b>11</b> is configured with an alignment aperture <b>23</b>. This permits easy attachment of the tripod mounting shoe <b>25</b> onto the bottom of the base <b>11</b> and for easy and quick securement of a camera to the top of the base <b>11</b>. At the rear of the base <b>11</b>, and visible to a user, is leveling device <b>18</b>, such as, but not limited to a bubble-type level. At or near to the front of the base <b>11</b> is a reflective device <b>29</b> [illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>] the purpose of which is to reflect the transmission of a signal from a remote control device for an external object [e.g., a video camera] to that external object [the video camera].

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2–4</figref>, the mirror <b>29</b> is connected to an adjustable rod <b>33</b>, preferably a telescoping rod. The mirror <b>29</b> is pivotably connected to the adjustable rod <b>33</b> at the forward end <b>37</b> of the adjustable rod <b>33</b>. On one side of the base <b>11</b>, is a mirror receiver component <b>31</b> having one or more apertures <b>35</b> and adapted to removably receive the adjustable rod <b>33</b> and mirror <b>29</b> combination.

A side plate <b>19</b> extending downward from the base <b>11</b> provides support and comfort for a user's hand. Typically video cameras have a strap on the side of the video camera into which a user may insert the user's fingers with the palm-side against the video camera. Also, typically, the thumb of the user is outside of the strap. The side plate <b>19</b> provides a place to support the user's hand when the hand is inserted into the strap of the video camera. This side plate <b>19</b> also permits the user to better manipulate the video camera as attached to the base <b>11</b>. This side plate <b>19</b> may, but need not, run the full length of the base <b>11</b> from front to rear.

When the camera stabilizer <b>10</b> is fully assembled, with camera attached, and is attached to the user <b>63</b>, this permits a user to establish a perfect horizontal plane when the situation may call for such. On the base <b>11</b> there are two apertures <b>14</b>, <b>14</b>′ in alignment with one another. These apertures <b>14</b>, <b>14</b>′ are adapted to connect to the base <b>11</b> the support member <b>30</b> by receiving and maintaining therein the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> attached to and extending forward from the support member <b>30</b>.

The adjustable rod member <b>16</b> extends forward from the support member <b>30</b>. At its distal end, it has a bias member or detent <b>13</b>. The distal end is passed through the rear aperture <b>14</b> of the base <b>11</b> and through the front aperture <b>14</b>′ of the base <b>11</b> such that the detent <b>13</b> passes forward of the base <b>11</b>. Once the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is through both apertures <b>14</b>, <b>14</b>′ backward movement and slippage out of the base <b>11</b> is prevented by the detent <b>13</b>. A stopper <b>15</b> on the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is located at a distance greater than the longitudinal length [front to back] of the base <b>11</b>. This stopper <b>15</b> prevents excessive forward movement of the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> and provides greater stability. The detent <b>13</b> prevents undesired backward movement of the adjustable rod member <b>16</b>. With the stopper <b>15</b> preventing forward movement and the detent <b>13</b> preventing backward movement, the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is securely attached to the base <b>11</b>. Once so secured, the distance between base <b>11</b> and first support member <b>30</b> may be made and, with the locking device <b>17</b> on the adjustable rod member <b>16</b>, so locked in place.

Typically, adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is a telescoping-type rod having a lock member <b>17</b> on it for locking and unlocking on the telescoping component of the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> to permit the user to adjust the support member <b>30</b> to any desired length away of the base <b>11</b>. Support member <b>30</b> is adapted to rest on the user's <b>63</b> shoulder. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> it is contoured on the bottom <b>38</b> to fit onto the user's shoulder. This contoured bottom <b>38</b> should be made of a soft or pliable material to provide a cushioned support and comfort for the user. The adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is securely and non-removably attached to the support member <b>30</b>. It may, but need not be, pivotable at this point of attachment.

Once the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> is attached to the base <b>11</b> as described above, the support member <b>30</b> is placed on a user's <b>63</b> shoulder. As described above, the detent <b>13</b> and stopper <b>15</b> prevent excessive forward and rearward movement of the adjustable rod member <b>16</b>. The user may unlock lock member <b>17</b> and telescope adjustable rod member <b>16</b> forward or rearward as desired. Once the desired length is attained, the user may lock lock member <b>17</b> in place.

A second support member comprised on a first adjustable rod component <b>40</b> and a second adjustable rod component <b>140</b> is adapted to attach at each respective upper end <b>48</b>, <b>148</b> to a respective attachment member <b>20</b>, <b>120</b> on the bottom of the base <b>11</b>. The bottom end <b>144</b> of the second adjustable rod component <b>140</b> is pivotably attached to the first adjustable rod component <b>40</b> at or near to the bottom end <b>44</b> of the first adjustable rod component <b>40</b>. The bottom end <b>44</b> of the first adjustable rod component <b>40</b> attaches to the user.

The bottom end <b>44</b> of first adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, has a fastening member <b>51</b> which is adapted to fasten to the belt or, if the user is belt-less, to any strap-like member [neither shown] provided to and worn by the user <b>63</b>. The fastening member <b>51</b> may have corresponding hook-and-loop <b>54</b>, <b>56</b> fastening components. Any suitable fastening component will suffice. What is important is that the fastening member <b>51</b> be fastenable to the user <b>63</b> at approximately waist level to provide that sturdy triangular support created by using the camera stabilizer <b>10</b>.

After suitable back and forth [up and down] movement and adjustment of each adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, <b>140</b>, as desired by the user, this second support member may be locked into position by respective locking member <b>47</b>, <b>147</b> on each adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, <b>140</b>. Each end point of each adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> [top end <b>48</b> and bottom end <b>44</b> of first adjustable rod component <b>40</b> and top end <b>148</b> and bottom end <b>144</b> of second adjustable rod component <b>140</b>, may be swivelable or pivotable. This swivel/pivot feature permits the user to freely move about, twist and turn, as necessary without adversely affecting the stability of or support for the mounted camera.

For additional support and stability, the second adjustable rod component <b>140</b> has one or more adjustable strap-like members <b>151</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, there are two such strap-like members <b>151</b>. Each strap-like member <b>151</b> has fastening members on it. As illustrated, corresponding hook-and-loop <b>154</b>, <b>156</b> fastening members are used. One component of the hook-and-loop <b>154</b> is shown at the tip of each strap-like member <b>151</b> while the corresponding component of the hook-and-loop <b>156</b> is shown to be adjacent to the second adjustable rod component <b>140</b> and extending sufficiently toward the other component <b>154</b> such that, when a user wraps the strap-like member around his back, the distal end fastening component <b>154</b> is attachable to any section of the strap-like member <b>151</b> containing the corresponding fastening component <b>156</b>.

To further ease use of the camera stabilizer system, grip members <b>22</b>, <b>122</b> are on each adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, <b>140</b>. These grip members <b>22</b>, <b>122</b> are conventional grip components as typically used for tennis rackets or golf clubs. They should be soft, pliable, and, preferably, non-slick.

First adjustable rod component <b>40</b> and second adjustable rod component <b>140</b>, as configured, resemble a draftperson's compass, pivoting, from one end of attachment <b>144</b> to each other, open and closed and to any open point in between at the other ends <b>48</b>, <b>148</b>. When in a closed position, a holding component <b>42</b>, <b>142</b> on each adjustable rod component <b>40</b>, <b>140</b>, in alignment with one another, maintains the second support member <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> in a closed position and prevents unwanted openings. The holding component <b>42</b>, <b>142</b> may be cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners as described above.

Therefore, with the camera <b>65</b> mounted on the base <b>11</b>; the first support member <b>30</b> and the second support member <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> attached to the base <b>11</b>; the first support member <b>30</b> rested onto a user's shoulder; the second support member <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> is attached to the user with fastening member <b>51</b> attached approximately waist high and adjustable strap members <b>151</b> attached around a user's back and connected together with cooperating fastening components <b>154</b>, <b>156</b>, an extremely sturdy and steady camera support system is created.

A secondary and unique feature of this second support member <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> is that it may function independent of the first support member <b>30</b>. Attaching to the base <b>11</b> only the second support member <b>40</b>, <b>140</b> as described above establishes a mono-pod support for the camera eliminating the need for a tripod. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates this concept and functionality. The mono-pod may be unlocked, telescoped up and down as needed and locked into place as described above but, as a mono-pod, is not attached to a user. The bottom end <b>44</b> of the first adjustable rod component <b>40</b> is rested on the ground or floor as the case may be.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates yet additional features of the camera stabilizer <b>10</b>. This figure highlights the features of the base <b>11</b> as viewed from the rear. The level <b>18</b> is at the rear. Also at the rear is a receiving aperture <b>14</b> into which the adjustable rod member <b>16</b> enters the base <b>11</b>. An external object [camera] is illustrated in phantom line as reference character <b>65</b>. Extending upward from the base <b>11</b> is a support handle <b>12</b>. One or more such support handle <b>12</b> may extend upward from the base <b>11</b>.

The purpose of the support handle <b>12</b> is to aid the user in holding, gripping, and maneuvering the camera to and toward objects of interest to be captured on film. Two such support handles <b>12</b> are shown and at least two are best suited for the intended purpose. One or more vertically disposed extension <b>28</b> extend from the support handle <b>12</b> on one side of the base <b>11</b> to the support handle <b>12</b> on the opposite side of the base <b>11</b>. A camera accessory mounting shoe <b>26</b>, <b>27</b> may be on any one or more of the vertical extensions <b>28</b>. These mounting shoes <b>26</b>, <b>27</b> are adapted to receive any conventional camera accessory such as, but not limited to, a flash and a light meter.

An extension <b>21</b> on top of the upper most vertical extension <b>28</b> also serves to accept an external video light [not shown]. This video light holder <b>21</b> is adapted to accept and hold a conventional video light which may be necessary to illuminate the objects to be filmed in situations where natural lighting is insufficient for that purpose.

It is preferred that there be at least two support handles <b>12</b> and that there be at least two vertical extensions <b>28</b> connecting to each support handle <b>12</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. A gripping member <b>22</b> may be on either or both support handles <b>12</b>. It is best that the gripping member <b>22</b> be soft and not slick for its purpose is to permit the user to obtain a sure grip on the camera stabilizer <b>10</b>. This gripping member may be foam [covered or uncovered], cushion, tape, rope, or string and it may be made of any material suited for the intended purpose.

The first support member <b>30</b> also may have on its top, a coupling component <b>53</b> onto which an external object <b>67</b> may be attached. If a video camera <b>65</b> is used as the object supported on the base <b>11</b>, a suitable external object <b>67</b> for the video camera <b>65</b> may be a remote control device. The coupling component <b>53</b> of choice is hook-and-loop. As illustrated the loop element is represented by reference character <b>53</b> and is on the first support member <b>30</b> while the hook element is represented by reference character <b>55</b> and is on the remote control device [though the corresponding coupling components may be reversed; i.e., hook element on the first support member <b>30</b>, loop element on the remote control device].

For many video cameras, having the remote control positioned as such on the shoulder simplifies the operation of the camera in that, the controls on the video camera itself for many video cameras are not well placed for ease of operation with or without use of a tripod or camera stabilizer or support. Remote control devices, on the other hand, are more user-friendly. Therefore, having the capability of using a remote control device with a video camera <b>65</b> mounted onto the camera stabilizer <b>10</b> of the present invention clearly simplifies use of the video camera <b>65</b> in conjunction with the camera stabilizer <b>10</b>.

The reflective device [mirror] <b>29</b> permits this to happen. The remote control device must be placed and positioned onto the first support member <b>30</b> such that the signal the remote control device transmits can be reflected off the mirror <b>29</b> and onto the photosensor of the receiving component; i.e., the camera <b>65</b> of such signal.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the present claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred forms has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.